Knowing when to start brushing your child’s teeth is among the never-ending responsibilities of being a parent. While it can be challenging to get your kids to brush twice daily at any age, with the right techniques and timing, you can establish healthy brushing habits early on in the life of your little one!
In this blog post, we’ll discuss when you should start brushing your child’s teeth and give advice on how to ensure they stay healthy for years to come.
When To Start Brushing A Child’s Teeth?
When it comes to brushing a child’s teeth, the earlier the better! The American Dental Association recommends brushing children’s teeth as soon as the first few appear. For infants, brushing can be done with a very soft cloth or a gentle finger brush.
Once your child is able to hold their own toothbrush, parents should practice brushing their child’s teeth until they reach the age of at least 8 years old so their technique is properly established and oral hygiene habits can be formed.
Additionally, fluoride toothpaste should be used when they reached the age of 1 to 2 in order to allow the development of strong and healthy teeth; this applies even after all baby teeth have been replaced by permanent adult ones.
Taking good care of your family’s dental health is an important part of living a healthy life, so brushing a child’s teeth early on is an essential step towards achieving it.
How Often Should You Brush A Child’s Teeth?
It is generally recommended that children brush their teeth twice a day, using a brush size and toothpaste designed specifically for children. However, frequency should be adjusted according to the child’s age and condition of oral hygiene.
For very young children, it may be acceptable to brush only once per day as long as there are no signs of gum disease or tooth decay present. As the child gets older and better understands how to brush correctly, the frequency should be increased so that it eventually reaches the twice-daily standard.
Additionally, caregivers should closely monitor and accompany children under the age of 8 while they brush their teeth until it is confirmed that they brush effectively enough on their own. This supervised brushing time provides an excellent opportunity for teaching proper dental hygiene habits which will become increasingly important as their baby teeth begin to fall out in favor of permanent ones.
How To Motivate Your Kid To Brush Their Teeth?
Incorporating brushing a child’s teeth into their daily routine is the ideal way to motivate them long-term. Setting the same brushing time for each day can help with remembering, such as brushing after breakfast or before bed.
Make brushing fun by allowing your child to pick out their own toothbrush or having them use distinguishable brushing songs or apps that make brushing teeth more enjoyable. Brushing together is another excellent tactic since it emphasizes good dental hygiene and encourages positive behaviors, instilling the idea that brushing teeth is essential for overall health. Finally, don’t forget to reward your child after brushing – stickers, charts and bubbles serve as great incentives!
Can You Use Fluoride Toothpaste For Your Baby’s Teeth?
Many parents may wonder if fluoride toothpaste is safe and suitable for babies. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride toothpaste for babies once they have their first tooth, starting at age 1 or 2.
Fluoride toothpaste can help protect baby teeth against cavities and the fluoride concentration in toothpaste meant for babies is significantly lower than those meant for adults. It’s important to remember that fluoride is a powerful mineral and parents should only use a very small amount – about the size of a grain of rice – so as to not create too much fluoride exposure and increase the chances of fluorosis.
With proper measuring, fluoride toothpaste can provide valuable protection for young children’s teeth in their early years.
Visit Absolute Dental Care Now!
When it comes to kids and oral hygiene, knowing when to start brushing their teeth is just as important as how often they should brush. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends children start brushed their own teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft-bristled toothbrush as soon as they develop two or more teeth that touch.
Until they’re able to tie their shoes, you’ll need to help them thoroughly brush all the surfaces of each tooth—both front and back—to remove plaque build-up and prevent cavities. Since getting kids motivated to brush their teeth can be easier said than done, check out our blog for creative ways you can incentivize your child to make dental hygiene a priority.
For expert tips on keeping your family’s smiles healthy and sparkling, visit Absolute Dental Care today!
